Tulips to plant in Pittsburgh, PA

[yogamind]

Hi. I've never planted tulips before. Is there anything I must know about what type of tulips to buy for Eastern Pa? I found some online at tulip world, but don't know if I should just go to a local home depot or something? THanks

[FungusMudGrub]

Umm, Pittsburgh is in western PA, last time I checked. And no, you don't really need to know anything special about planting tulips. I know a lot of landscapers in Pgh treat them as annuals and plant new ones every year. A lot of the big fancy tulips don't rebloom well the following year.

[Greensmith]

Deer bait here, don't get planted much unless the customer has a fence.

[Lanelle]

Rabbits like them too.

[spiderlily]

At least in the downtown area, Pittsburgh is pretty urban for deer. You all do have those beautiful urban parks, though.

Yes, deer and rabbits love tulips. But if you want to try to plant them anyway, almost any tulip should grow well--whether you order it or buy from home cheapo. But why not buy them from your local independent garden center and ask advice from them?

The Darwin Hybrids tend to be good perennializers, and are all really showy. 'Species' tulips are more subtle, but come back well, too, and the foliage is easier to deal with after they are done blooming. 'Lady Jane' is hard to beat.

[yogamind]

That's what I thought ... about the deer bait. Tulips sure looks nice though, so if a deer ravages the crop, oh well - the bulbs are pretty cheap. I don't think the deer will get 'em all?? :bangin:

[VoodooChile]

'Pink Impressions' is smokin', and a client favorite.

Many mail order bulb companies have end of year specials...you could save enough money to outnumber both the deer and rabbits!

Tulips should be planted at 2-3X the bulb's diameter, either on their side, or with the pointy part sticking up.

Mass plantings are usually replanted annually because at least a few won't return the following year. Naturalized plantings can last a lifetime, and you won't miss the few that don't return.

A friend who lives in the Iron City was once chased by a flock of Turkeys on a walk in one of those parks...wild things lurk in Pittsburgh!

[dan deutekom]

Squirrels love to eat the bulbs just after you plant them. They seem to find the soft spots in the soil where you put them. I put chicken wire over them and cover with some mushroom compost to keep the little buggers out. When they begin to sprout in spring remove the chicken wire. Squirrels arn't as interested in them then

[sandim]

Funny how hard we all work to keep the critters out of stuff! Deer, squirrels, rabbits, turkeys. We have 'em all here in CT!

[Mac]

I really like the tulip angelique - its almost like a pink rose. So beautiful.